Cable retention system

ABSTRACT

A cable retention system includes a cable tie and a storage and installation tool. The cable tie includes an elongated band having head and tail ends. The inner surface of the band includes spaced grooves offset toward the tail end to render it more flexible than the head end. Teeth along the inner surface of the band adjacent the head end and along the outer surface of the band adjacent the tail end engage in a circumferential direction when the head end overlaps the tail end. The tool has an annular configuration with an elongated longitudinal opening and an inner raceway for receiving cables. The opening enables the tube to be slipped over a group of cables and moved along the cables. As the tube is moved along the cables, the ties are slipped off and onto the cables at selected spaced locations for securing the cables into a bundle.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/359,867 entitled CABLE RETENTION DEVICE filed Feb. 7, 2003,which is based on Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/333,255,430entitled CABLE RETENTION DEVICE filed on Feb. 8, 2002.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to retaining devices and, moreparticularly to a tie for securing one or more objects such as cables,wires or conduits in a bundle or to another object.

Existing cable ties take several forms. The most elementary example is awire which is either bare or is coated with insulation and which istwisted around one or more cables which it is desired to bundletogether. A more popular cable tie which is now used is a preformedplastic strip having teeth which pass through a catch box, where theteeth engage a complemental restraint which locks the end of the tie inplace.

The disadvantages of the prior art devices described above are several,First, and foremost, with many types of cable, especially low voltagecomputer cables, the cable is sensitive to binding and it is frequentlythe case that the cable tie is tightened too tightly so that itadversely affects the performance of the equipment being fed by thecable. If an uncoated wire is utilized as the tie, significant damage tothe cable or cables being secured may result.

Flexible conduits such as hoses and tubing are similarly sensitive tobinding. Their lumens may become narrowed or partially occluded if acable tie is overtightened, diminishing the rate of flow of liquids orgases carried by the conduits.

Another disadvantage of the prior art, even when utilizing the morepopular plastic cable ties described above, is that there is no way tojudge when the tie is properly secured. Since there is no margin forerror, the tie may be too tight and may adversely affect performancewithout the knowledge of the installer who applied the tie.

Another disadvantage of prior art ties is that for the most part, oncethey are tightened, they cannot be released without use of a cuttingtool, which destroys the tie.

Another disadvantage of prior art ties is that, even when installedproperly so as not to bind the cable during normal use, if the cable isbent around a corner there is the possibility of the cable becomingpinched and adversely affected, even though this was not the case whenthe cable was laid out in a straight line.

Still another disadvantage of prior art tie constructions is that forthe most part they require two hands to bring the cable tie around thecable and secure it to other cables in the bundle or to another object.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art byproviding a preformed cable tie which has a unique, non-bindingconfiguration, which has a partially deformable inner surface and whichcan be secured using one hand to bring inter-engaging surfaces together.The device can also be secured in varying circumferences but with anoutward spring force which is less likely to damage the cable than the“cinching action” of the prior art devices.

In one embodiment, the invention comprises an elongated band having atail end and a head end. The band is formed in an arcuate configurationfrom a material having shape-retaining memory properties. Because of itsshape-retaining memory properties, the band may be deformed under forceand, when the force is released, it will return to its approximateoriginal shape. There are a plurality of first locking elements whichextend around the surface of the band and a plurality of second lockingelements which complementally engage the first locking elements andextend around the outer surface of the band. This combination provides aband which may be compressed with one hand to form an opening to receivea plurality of cables and when the hand is released, the lockingelements engage to retain the cables within the band.

The invention also encompasses a method of holding a plurality of smalldiameter elongated objects in a bundled configuration which comprisesproviding an elongaged band formed in a generally arcuate configurationfrom a material having shape-retaining properties. The band isconstructed so that when it is deformed under force and released it willreturn to its approximate original shape. The method further comprisesdeforming the band with one hand to provide an opening for insertion ofa bundle of elongated objects within the band, placing the bundle ofelongated objects within the band, and then releasing the band to allowit to return to its approximate original shape. Finally, the method ofthe invention includes securing the two ends of the band together tohold the band in the referenced shape.

A cable retention system of the present invention includes a cable tiedevice and a storage and installation tool. The cable tie deviceincludes an elongated band having a head end and a tail end. A pluralityof spaced grooves are formed along a portion of the inner surface of theband and are offset toward the tail end to render the tail endrelatively more flexible than the head end. A plurality of teeth arepositioned along the inner surface of the band adjacent the head end andalong the outer surface of the band adjacent the tail end. The teeth areconfigured for releasable mutual engagement in a circumferentialdirection when the head end overlaps the tail end.

The storage and installation tool has a tubular or partially tubularconfiguration with an elongated longitudinal opening and a convex innersurface defining a raceway for receiving cables. A plurality of cabletie devices are positioned on the tool in side-by-side relation. Theopening enables the tube to be slipped over a group of cables and movedalong the cables. As the tube is moved along the cables, the ties areslipped off the tube and onto the cables at selected spaced locationsand squeezed for securing the cables into a bundle.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a cabletie which is less likely to bind the cable or cables being secured as aresult of both a unique locking mechanism and a surface constructionwhich will be somewhat yielding to the pressure of the cable against it.

Another objective of this invention is to provide a cable tie which canbe operated by one hand to bring one or more cables into a bundledconfiguration.

As a corollary of the foregoing object, one of the aims of thisinvention is to provide a cable tie which has a spring memory so that itwill move in the direction of an engaged locking position once thecables to be retained are inside of it, but will yield to the cable topresent an opening as the cable is being inserted.

An important aim of this invention is to provide a cable tie whichprovides a margin of error against being tightened too tight, the marginof error being in the form of an inner surface which is somewhatyielding and therefore avoids binding the cable even if tightened beyondwhat is necessary.

Another aim of this invention is to provide a cable tie which, ifnecessary, can be released by disengaging the locking mechanism withoutthe need to destroy the tie with a cutting tool.

Still another one of the objects of the invention is to provide a cabletie which provides for a “sure lock” in the form of inter-engaging teethto ensure that the tie will not come undone.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a cable tie whichprovides for positive engagement of the locking mechanism which can befelt by the user of the device so that he or she will know positiveengagement has been obtained.

An important aim of the invention is to provide a cable tie whichsecures a bundle of cables with a positive outwardly directed “springaction” rather than an inwardly directed cinching action.

Various objects and advantages of this invention will become apparentfrom the following description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration andexample, certain embodiments of this invention.

The drawings including FIGS. 1-9 constitute a part of thisspecification, include exemplary embodiments of the present invention,and illustrate various objects and features thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cable tie in accordance with thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view, with portions cut away and shown incross section as the cable tie is moved into position to hold a bundleof cables.

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the cable tie according to thepresent invention being held between the thumb and forefinger of onehand of a user and locked into position using only the one hand shown.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of the cable tie takenalong line 4-4 of FIG. 2 and illustrating the manner in which a cablemay be bent around it with out damage to the cable.

FIG. 5 is a greatly enlarged exploded side elevational view of theinterchangeable teeth and body portions of the cable tie.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a cable retention system embodying thepresent invention and including an alternate embodiment of a cable tieshown in association with a storage and installation tool in accordancewith the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary view of a portion of the system with acable tie positioned on the tool as shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the cable tie shown in FIG. 6, withthe ends shown moving into position to accept a bundle of cables.

FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of the alternate cable tie of FIG. 6installed in position surrounding a bundle of cables and being urgedinto a locking position by the thumb and forefinger of a user.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosedherein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodimentsare merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in variousforms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosedherein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis forthe claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in theart to variously employ the present invention in virtually anyappropriately detailed structure.

Referring initially to FIG. 1, the cable tie according to the presentinvention is designated generally by the numeral 10. Cable tie 10comprises an annular support 12 of generally rectangular cross sectionand a generally convex inner face 14, which is integrally formed withannular support 12 around its circumference. The cross sectional area ofthe support 12 decreases significantly from one end to the other. It isdesirable that the cross sectional area of the terminal end designatedby the numeral 16 in FIG. 2 be 20 to 25 percent of the area of theopposite terminal end 18 (see FIG. 2). The gradually decreasingdimension of annular support 12 is indicated by broken line 20 in FIG.2. It is also to be noted that portions of convex inner face 14 areformed by wings 22 which are integral with and project outwardly fromsupport 12.

The construction of annular support 12 is further defined by a honeycombstructure comprising a plurality of spaced apart cross members 24 and arelatively flat planar section 26 (FIG. 1) which is parallel to a secondplanar section 28 which presents the outer surface of support 12. Thetwo planar sections 26 and 28 are spaced apart to provide an open area30 that completes the “honeycomb” effect. Of course, other cushioningstructure could be employed between the planar sections 26 and 28 sothat the section 26 will yield under force. It is to be understood thata first annular portion of support 12, extending over an area ofapproximately 180° is relatively rigid and inflexible. A second annularportion of support 12, extending over approximately 180° is relativelyflexible and is formed so that it has a degree of built in memory whichwill cause it to be biased outwardly in the general direction of thefirst annular portion while still being yieldable to allow an objectsuch as one or more cables to move past it. This characteristic of thesecond annular portion of support 12 will be a function of theparticular resinous elastomeric material utilized and the crosssectional area of the second annular portion in comparison to the firstannular portion. These parameters are well within the scope of knowledgeof one skilled in the art.

Disposed on the inner surface of convex inner face 14 are a plurality ofteeth 32 the configuration of which is best shown in FIG. 5. Each tooth32 comprises a curvilinear surface 34 which terminates in a groove 36.

Complemental teeth 38 are formed along the outer surface of the secondannular portion of support 12 as it approaches terminal end 16. Teeth 38are presented by curvilinear surface 40, which mates with surface 34 andprojection 42, which mates with groove 36.

A plurality of cables 44, 46 and 48 are shown in FIG. 2. Cable tie 10may be moved into position to bundle the cables by holding it betweenthe thumb and forefinger as shown in FIG. 3. This compresses the support10 and provides an opening for insertion of the cables. The cables aremoved to the interior of the band in the manner shown in FIG. 2. Thereis sufficient flexibility of the second annular portion of support 12 sothat it will yield relative to the force of the cables being pushedagainst it. To this end, the relatively rigid nature of the firstannular portion of support 12 facilitates movement of the cables 44-48inside of the annulus formed by the support. Once the cable bundle isinside of the annulus as shown in FIG. 3, the ends 16 and 18 of tie 10are moved toward each other so as to bring teeth 32 and 38 intocomplemental engagement. Once the user senses a reasonable amount offirm resistance to further movement of the ends of the tie, he or shemay push with greater force to bring protrusions 42 into engagement withgrooves 36 effecting the locking feature of the tie. Projections 42 aredesigned to snap in place with sufficient force so that the user cansense the engagement and know that locking has been achieved. Theoutward spring bias of the second half of support 12 helps to achievepositive locking action in a manner that minimizes any binding andwithout applying a tightening force to the cables beyond that needed toinsert them into the device 10 and hold them in a bundled configuration.It is to be understood that various other locking means could be usedinstead of teeth 32-38, such as flexible pins, slots and grooves, andthe like. One advantage of the invention is that teeth 32 and 38releasably engage so that the cable tie can be removed from the bundledcables without destroying it. This is a direct result of the use of thecomplemental teeth to achieve the locking action. The term “cable” asused herein encompasses any small diameter elongated objects such aswires, filaments and tubes.

It will be appreciated that the honeycomb construction of annularsupport 12 provides a degree of resiliency and flexibility to inner face14 to provide further insurance against the cables being pinched anddamaged even if the degree of closure of tie 10 is excessive.

Referring to FIG. 4, a cable 44 is shown bent at nearly a 90° anglerelative to tie 10. Convex surface 14, in cooperation with wings 22,accommodates this angular orientation without binding the cable.

A cable retention system in accordance with the invention is generallydesignated by the reference numeral 210 and is depicted in FIGS. 6 and 7in association with a plurality of cables 212 to be retained in abundle. The cable retention system 210 includes a cable bundler or tie214 and a storage and installation tool 216. The cable tie 214 includesan elongated annular band 218 having a first or head end 220 and asecond or tail end 222, a generally convex outer surface 224 and agenerally concave inner surface 226 (FIGS. 8-9). The lateral margins oredges of the band 218 are curled or flared radially outwardly to form apair of upstanding rims 228 defining a channel 230 (FIG. 7). The rims228 are somewhat analogous to the wings 22 of the cable tie 10previously described and function to guide the head end 220 intooverlapping relation to the tail end 222. Additionally, the curled rims228 provide radiused edges to the band 218 to avoid digging into thesurface of a cable 212 which is bent in close proximity to a tie 214, ina manner similar to that illustrated in FIG. 4.

As best shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, a portion of the inner surface 226 ofthe band 218 adjacent the head end 220 is equipped with a plurality ofinwardly directed teeth 232. A portion of the outer surface 224 of theband adjacent the tail end 222 is equipped with a plurality ofcomplemental outstanding teeth 234. The teeth 232 and 234 form band endengagement structure 235 and are generally triangular in shape whenviewed in cross section, although it is foreseen that they may also beconfigured as depicted in FIG. 5 and previously described. The teeth areconfigured for projection directed away from the respective ends andsurfaces 220 and 226 and 222 and 224, respectively. This constructionenables the outer teeth 234 to function as a ratchet, with thecomplemental angular portions of the inner teeth 232 serving as pawls.The inner pawl teeth 232 slide over the outer ratchet teeth 234 when theband 218 is compressed between the thumb and forefinger of a user. Onceengaged, the pawl teeth 232 catch in the complemental ratchet teeth 234,preventing backward slippage and loosening of the band.

The band 218 may be constructed of any flexible, shape-retainingmaterial such as a synthetic resin, rubber, metal, fibrous or othermaterial configured to place the ends 220 and 222 in spaced proximaterelationship. The band 218 has a generally uniform thickness, exceptwhere there are projecting teeth 232 and 234. In order to impartincreased flexibility to the tail end portion of the band, an area ofthe inner surface 226 of the band 218 is equipped with a series ofcircumferentially spaced axial or transverse grooves or slots 236, shownin FIGS. 8 and 9. The purpose for rendering the tail end 222 moreflexible than the head end 220 is to facilitate one-handed engagement ofthe band 218 with the cables 212, as will be described below. The slots236 are arrayed asymmetrically on the band 218 so that they are offsettoward the tail end 222. The slots commence adjacent a center portion ofthe band at a first spaced distance from the inner teeth 232 andterminate at a second spaced distance from the tail end of the band 222.Since the purpose of the slots is to impart additional flexibility tothe tail end 222 of the band, they are positioned so that the firstspaced distance from the head end is greater than the second spaceddistance from the tail end. Thus, if the band 218 were divided into headand tail half portions, there would be fewer slots on the head halfportion than on the tail half portion of the band. It is also foreseenthat the slots 236 may continue all the way to the tail end 222 in orderto impart greater flexibility to the tail portion of the band 218.

While the slots 236 are depicted in FIGS. 8 and 9 in evenly spacedrelation, the spacing between the slots 236 may be varied, with theslots on the tail portion of the band being spaced closer together,either consistently or in a gradually converging relation to the tailend 222. The slots 236 are also depicted as having a uniform, fairlynarrow width and a relatively shallow depth in comparison with theoverall thickness of the band 218. However either or both of the widthand the depth of the slots may be varied in the slots as they approachthe tail end 222 in order to achieve a preselected desired increasedflexibility at the tail end 222 to permit overlap of the head end 220.

In use, the cable bundler or tie 214 is grasped between a thumb andfinger of one hand of a user as generally shown in FIG. 9. In thestandard sized devices as shown in FIG. 9, the thumb and finger may fitcomfortably between the rims 228 to rest in the channel 230. In smallerdevices, the thumb and forefinger rest astride the rims 228. While auser is most likely to employ the forefinger as shown, any other fingercould also be used to oppose the thumb in grasping the device.

The user next positions the tie 214 so that the opening between the ends220 and 222 is adjacent the cables 212 to be bundled (FIG. 8). The usernext urges the tie 214 against the cables, causing the more flexibletail end 222 to deflect inwardly as shown in FIG. 8, enlarging theopening and permitting the cables to slide between the ends 220 and 222and pass into the interior of the band 218. The user may also rotate thetie 214 slightly as it is urged against the cables 212, to facilitatethis operation. In practice, and especially when large numbers of ties214 are installed on a run of cables 212, the tie is positioned andurged against the cables in a continuous motion which causes the cablesto pass quickly and smoothly into the interior of the band 218. Thus,the ties 214 can be efficiently slapped onto the cables 212 and quicklysnapped into place to gather and secure the cables 212 in a one-handedoperation.

Once the cables are encircled by the band 218 as shown in FIG. 9, theuser squeezes the outer surface of the band 224 between the thumb andfinger to close the tie, causing the head end 220 bearing the inner pawlteeth 232 to overlap the tail end 222 bearing the outer ratchet teeth234 so that the teeth 232 and 234 matingly engage in a circumferentialdirection. The configuration of the engaged outstanding projecting teeth232 and 234 and the shape-retaining characteristics of the band 218cooperate to lock the band in place once it is in a closed position. Theuser may continue to exert circumferential pressure on the band 218until it urges the encircled bundle of cables 212 into its most compactconfiguration with a selected degree of tightening force. Since the tiedevice includes no sharp edges, the inner surface of the band 226 may besnugged against a cable bundle 212 without damage, for example, to aflow of electrical current. In such snugged applications, the outwardspring bias of the band 218 and the pressure of the cable bundle 212against the inner surface 226 cooperatively serve to further reinforcethe locking mechanism of the tie device 214. In addition to gatheringthe cables 212, the tie 214 may also encircle a fastener or part of astructural member (not shown) to locally secure the bundled cables 212in place or a tag to identify the cables.

A user may unclasp the tie 214 for removal or to add additional cables212 by squeezing as previously described to release the engaged teeth232 and 234. Once the teeth are disengaged, the user releases pressureand permits the tail end 222 to slide away from the head end 220 to forman opening between the ends. Additional cables 212 may be added byurging the cables against the opening and, once the cables are encircledwithin the tie device 214, again squeezing to engage the ratchet andpawl teeth 234 and 232 to lock the device. If the tie is to be removed,once unclasped it can be rotated and easily pulled away from the cablesfor further reuse. Advantageously, the tie device may be installed,adjusted, released for addition of cables or removed entirely by a userin an entirely one-handed operation.

The cable retention system 210 also includes a storage and installationtool generally designated by the reference numeral 216 and designed foruse in association with the one handed cable tie device 214 as depictedin FIGS. 6 and 7. The tool 216 is shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 to include anelongated tubular sleeve or tube 238 formed by a tube wall 239circumferentially formed into a partially tubular shape having a firstend 240 and a second end 242, formed by end edges 241 of the tube wall239, with a longitudinal opening or slot 244 extending therebetween.Each of the ends 240 and 242 is flared radially outwardly to form a lowtie retaining lip or rim 246.

The sleeve 238 has a generally convex outer surface 248 and a generallyconcave inner surface 250, defining a raceway 252 for receiving aplurality of cables 212. The edges 243 of the slot 244 are flared orcurled outwardly and partially rolled over to form a pair of flanges orlips 254, thereby defining a somewhat omega-shaped cross section. Eachlip 254 cooperates with the convex outer surface 248 to form an exteriorchannel for receiving the ends 220 and 222 of the cable ties 214, andfunction as stops to prevent the ties 214 from sliding circumferentiallyabout the tool 216. The illustrated convex outer surface 248 adjacentone of the lips 254 is relieved to form an indent, channel or groove 256sized to receive the cable tie inner teeth 232 adjacent the head ends220 when the cable ties 214 are mounted on the tool. The tool 216 alsoincludes a pair of apertures 258 adjacent each of the ends 240 and 242for transport or storage using a hanger such as a nail, peg, hook, loopor any other suitable means.

The tool 216 may be constructed of any suitable synthetic resin, metalor fibrous material that has shape-retaining characteristics yet isflexible. The outer surface 248 should be sufficiently smooth to permitsliding passage of the cable ties 214 and the groove 256 should besufficiently deep to permit reception of the pawl teeth 232 and slidingpassage of the teeth therealong. The tool 216 may be constructed in avariety of lengths, with shorter lengths being more suitable for tightspaces, and longer lengths being more suitable for long runs of cable.The diameter of the tool 216 is sized for reception of a plurality ofcable ties 214 of a size that is preselected to correspond to the numberand diameters of the cables 212 to be bundled. The lips 254 and rims 246are proportioned to the diameter so that they function to retain storedcable ties 214 in place on the tool 216 while permitting them to beeasily pushed off the ends 240 and 242 during use.

While the cable ties 214 and tools 216 are each are depicted as having agenerally open, annular configuration, those skilled in the art willappreciate that cable tie devices and tools in accordance with thepresent invention may be constructed to form any suitable closedgeometric configuration once fastened, including oblong and multilateralconfigurations and that any cable tie configuration having a pair ofopen ends is within the scope of this invention.

In use, a supply of cable ties 214 may be preloaded on the tool 216 inside-by-side relation for storage and use as needed. The tool 216 may beloaded from either or both ends 240 and/or 242 with a plurality of cableties 214 by sliding the ties over one of the rims 246 (FIG. 6). All theties 214 should be in the same orientation with the inner teeth 232received in the groove 256. Once loaded, the tool may be stored untilneeded by engaging one of the apertures 258 with a hanger. Similarly,the stored cable ties 214 and tool 216 may be transported by hanging, asfrom the belt of a user.

In a method of use, a user first positions the loaded tool 216 with theslot 244 aligned generally parallel to and facing a plurality ofadjacent cables 212 to be bundled. The user next urges the slot 244against the cables 212, which slide easily past the rolled lips 254 andinto the interior raceway 252. The tool 216 is thus positioned insurrounding and gathering relation to a bundle of cables 212. The usernext slides the tool 216 in a relatively forward direction along thelength of the cable bundle until it is desirable to secure the bundlewith a tie 214. The construction and manner of use of the tool 216cooperatively serve to preposition and orient the stored cable ties 214over a bundle of cables for convenient access and installation atselected locations along the cables 212.

The user then slides a cable tie 214 in a relatively rearward directionalong the outer surface 248 of the sleeve 238 and slips it over the rim246 and off the rearward end 242 of the tool 216. The user fastens thetie 214 using one hand as previously described. This can be accomplishedwhile the user continues to shift the sleeve 238 forwardly, along thelength of the cable bundle 212. When the supply of ties 214 isexhausted, the tool 216 may be removed by urging the sleeve 238 awayfrom the cables until they slide out of the slot 244, and a new, fullyloaded tool 216 may be installed as previously described.

In this manner, a supply of cable ties 214 may be shifted forwardlyalong the length of a run of cables 212, and the ties may be dropped offthe rearward end 242 of the tool at preselected, spaced intervals andfastened using one hand, while the tool 234 is shifted forwardly usingthe other hand.

It is to be understood that while certain forms of the present inventionhave been illustrated and described herein, it is not to be limited tothe specific forms or arrangement of parts described and shown.

1. A tie device for securing about first and second elongated membersand comprising: (a) an elongated band formed in an annular configurationof a flexible material with a shape retaining property, having an innersurface and an outer surface, and having a head end and an opposite tailend; (b) a plurality of lateral grooves spaced along a portion of saidinner surface at such locations as to render said tail end relativelymore flexible than said head end to enable radially inward yielding ofsaid rail end to receive said elongated members therein to therebyposition said band in surrounding relation to said elongated members bya one-handed operation; and (c) band end engagement structure on saidinner surface of said head end and on said outer surface of said tailend, said band end engagement structure on said ends of said bandcooperating to releasably and mutually engage to thereby secure saidband about said elongated members with a selected degree of tightening.2. A tie device as set forth in claim 1 wherein: (a) said grooves areoffset toward said tail end.
 3. A tie device as set forth in claim 1wherein: (a) said band includes side edges which are outwardly curled toform side rims of said band.
 4. A tie device as set forth in claim 1wherein said band end engagement structure includes: (a) a plurality ofouter teeth projecting outwardly from said outer surface of said band atsaid head end thereof; (b) a plurality of inner teeth projectinginwardly from said inner surface of said band at said tail end thereof;and (c) said inner teeth and said outer teeth being configured toreleasably and mutually engage in a circumferential direction, with saidhead end overlapping said tail end and said inner surface engaging saidelongated members to thereby secure said band about said elongatedmembers with a selected degree of tightening.
 5. A tie device forsecuring about first and second elongated members and comprising: (a) anelongated band formed in an annular configuration of a flexible materialwith a shape retaining property and having a convex inner surface and anouter surface; (b) said band having a head end and an opposite tail end;(c) a plurality of spaced grooves formed along a portion of said innersurface and offset toward said tail end, rendering said tail endrelatively more flexible than said head end to enable radially inwardyielding of said tail end to receive said elongated members therein tothereby position said convex inner surface of said band in surroundingrelation thereto by a one-handed operation; (d) a plurality of innerteeth formed along a portion of said inner surface at said head end anda plurality of outer teeth formed along a portion of said outer surfaceat said tail end; and (e) said inner teeth and said outer teeth beingconfigured to releasably and mutually engage in a circumferentialdirection, with said head end overlapping said tail end and said convexinner surface engaging said elongated members to enable securing saidband about said elongated members with a selected degree of tightening.6. A tie device as set forth in claim 5 wherein: (a) said plurality ofspaced grooves formed along a portion of said inner surface extends tosaid tail end.
 7. A tie device as set forth in claim 5, wherein: (a) thegrooves formed along said inner surface are spaced more closely togetheras the tail end is approached.
 8. A tie device as set forth in claim 5,wherein: (a) the depth of the grooves formed along said inner surfaceincreases as the tail end is approached.
 9. A tie device as set forth inclaim 5, wherein: (a) said band includes a pair of transversely spacedoutwardly curled rims.
 10. A tool for storage and installation of aplurality of tie devices for securing about first and second elongatedmembers, comprising: (a) an elongated tube formed in an annularconfiguration of a flexible material with a shape retaining property andhaving a first end, a second end and an elongated opening therebetween;(b) said tube having a convex inner surface defining a raceway and anouter surface; (c) said elongated opening enabling reception of saidtube about said first and second elongated members within said raceway;and (d) said outer surface enabling storage of a plurality of said tiedevices therein in side-by-side relation whereby as said tube is movedalong said elongated members said tie devices may be slipped off saidtube onto said elongated members at selected spaced locationstherealong.
 11. A tool as set forth in claim 10, wherein: (a) each ofsaid tie devices is adapted for one-handed clamping.
 12. A tool as setforth in Clam 10, wherein: (a) said outer surface includes a groove forreceiving teeth formed along a portion of an inner surface of each ofsaid tie devices.
 13. A tool as set forth in claim 10, wherein: (a) saidfirst and second ends each include a low rim sized for retaining saidtie devices in place while permitting passage of said tie devices oversaid rims and off said tube for securing about said elongated members.14. A tool as set forth in claim 10, and further including: (a) a pairof spaced outstanding flanges adjacent the sides of said opening forretaining the ends of the tie devices in place in an open, unfastenedposition.
 15. A tool as set forth in claim 10, further including: (a) anaperture formed in said tube adjacent one of said tube ends forreceiving a mounting device.
 16. A tool for storage and installation ofa plurality of tie devices about first and second elongated members,each tie device being of an open annular shape with ends adapted foroverlapping one end over an opposite end to secure said tie device aboutsaid elongated members, said tool comprising: (a) an elongated tubedefined by a tube wall having an inner tube surface and an outer tubesurface, opposite slot edges, and opposite end edges, said tube wallbeing circumferentially formed into a partially tubular shape with saidslot edges positioned in circumferentially spaced relation to define anelongated tube slot and said end edges forming open tube ends, saidinner tube surface defining a raceway communicating with said tube endsand said tube slot; (b) said tube wall being formed of a flexiblematerial with a shape retaining property; (c) said tube being sizedrelative to said tie devices to enable removable storage of a pluralityof said tie devices on said outer tube surface in side-by-side relation;and (d) said elongated slot enabling reception of said elongated membersinto said raceway to thereby preposition said tie devices stored on saidtube in partial surrounding relation to said elongated members therebyenabling said tie devices to be successively slid off said tube ontosaid elongated members and secured thereabout at selectively spacedlocations along said elongated members.
 17. A tool as set forth in claim16 wherein each of said tie devices has a set of inner teeth on an innersurface at one end thereof and wherein: (a) said outer tube surfaceincludes a groove for receiving said inner teeth of said tie devices.18. A tool as set forth in claim 16 wherein: (a) each of said tube endsincludes a tie retaining rim for retaining said tie devices on said tubewhile enabling selective passage of said tie devices thereover forsecuring about said elongated members.
 19. A tool as set forth in claim16 and further including: (a) said slot edges of said tube slot beingcurled outwardly to form flanges to be engaged by said ends of tiedevices positioned on said tube to thereby to prevent said tie devicesfrom sliding circumferentially about said tube.
 20. A tool as set forthin claim 16 wherein: (a) each of said tie devices has a set of innerteeth on an inner surface at one end thereof and said outer tube surfaceincludes a groove for receiving said inner teeth of said tie devices;(b) each of said tube ends includes a tie retaining rim for retainingsaid tie devices on said tube while enabling selective passage of saidtie devices thereover for securing about said elongated members; and (c)said slot edges at said tube slot are curled outwardly to form stops tobe engaged by said ends of tie devices positioned on said tube tothereby to prevent said tie devices from sliding circumferentially aboutsaid tube.
 21. A cable retention system for storage and installation ofa plurality of tie devices about first and second elongated cables andcomprising: (a) a plurality of cable tie devices, each tie device beingof an open annular shape with ends adapted for overlapping one end overan opposite end to secure said tie device about said elongated members;(b) an elongated cable tie storage and installation tube defined by atube wall having an inner tube surface and an outer tube surface,opposite slot edges, and opposite end edges, said tube wall beingcircumferentially formed into a partially tubular shape with said slotedges positioned in circumferentially spaced relation to define anelongated tube slot and said end edges forming open tube ends, saidinner tube surface defining a raceway communicating with said tube endsand said tube slot; (c) said tube wall being formed of a flexiblematerial with a shape retaining property; (d) said tube being sizedrelative to said tie devices to enable removable storage of a pluralityof said tie devices on said outer tube surface in side-by-side relation;(e) said elongated slot enabling reception of said cables into saidraceway to thereby preposition said tie devices stored on said tube inpartial surrounding relation to said elongated members thereby enablingsaid tie devices to be successively slid off said tube onto said cablesand secured thereabout at selectively spaced locations along saidelongated members; (f) each of said tube ends including a tie retainingrim for retaining said tie devices on said tube while enabling selectivepassage of said tie devices thereover for securing about said elongatedmembers; and (g) said slot edges at said tube slot being curledoutwardly to form stops to be engaged by said ends of tie devicespositioned on said tube to thereby to prevent said tie devices fromsliding circumferentially about said tube.
 22. A system as set forth inclaim 21 wherein each of said tie devices has a set of inner teeth on aninner surface at one end thereof and wherein: (a) said outer tubesurface includes a groove for receiving said inner teeth of said tiedevices.
 23. A system as set forth in claim 21 wherein each tie deviceincludes: (a) an elongated band formed in an annular configuration of aflexible material with a shape retaining property and having a convexinner surface and an outer surface; (b) said band having a head end andan opposite tail end; (c) a plurality of spaced grooves formed along aportion of said inner surface and offset toward said tail end, renderingsaid tail end relatively more flexible than said head end to enableradially inward yielding of said tail end to receive said cables thereinto thereby position said convex inner surface of said band insurrounding relation thereto by a one-handed operation; (d) a pluralityof inner teeth formed along a portion of said inner surface at said headend and a plurality of outer teeth formed along a portion of said outersurface at said tail end; and (e) said inner teeth and said outer teethbeing configured to releasably and mutually engage in a circumferentialdirection, with said head end overlapping said tail end and said convexinner surface engaging said cables to enable securing said bandthereabout with a selected degree of tightening.
 24. A method forgathering and retaining first and second cables therealong andcomprising the steps of: (a) providing a plurality of cable tie devices,each tie device including a band having an open annular shape with endsadapted for overlapping one end over an opposite end to secure saidcable tie device about said cables; (b) providing a cable tie storageand installation tool including an elongated storage and installationtube defined by a tube wall having an inner tube surface and an outertube surface, opposite slot edges, and opposite end edges, said tubewall being circumferentially formed into a partially tubular shape withsaid slot edges positioned in circumferentially spaced relation todefine an elongated tube slot and said end edges forming open tube ends,said inner tube surface defining a raceway communicating with said tubeends and said tube slot and said tube wall being formed of a flexiblematerial with a shape retaining property; (c) positioning a plurality ofsaid cable tie devices in side-by-side relation on said tube; (d)positioning said tube with cable tie devices thereon in surroundingrelation to said first and second cables, thereby prepositioning saidcable tie devices in surrounding relation to said first and secondcables; (e) moving said tube along said first and second cables; (f)slipping one of said cable tie devices off said tube at a selectedlocation along said first and second cables; and (g) clampingly securingsaid tie device around said first and second cables in said one-handedoperation.
 25. A method as set forth in claim 24 and including the stepsof: (a) moving said tube to a second location along said first andsecond cables; (b) slipping another of said cable tie devices off saidtube onto said first and second cables; and (c) clampingly securing saidcable tie device onto said first and second cables using said one-handedoperation.
 26. A method as set forth in claim 24 and including the stepof: (a) retaining said cable tie devices on said tube while enablingselective passage of said cable tie devices off said tube by providing atie retaining rim on each of said tube ends of said tube.
 27. A methodas set forth in claim 24 and including the step of: (a) preventing saidcable tie devices from sliding circumferentially about said tube bycurling said tube slot edges outwardly to form stops to be engaged byends of said cable tie devices to thereby prevent the circumferentialsliding.
 28. A method as set forth in claim 24 wherein said step ofproviding a plurality of cable tie devices includes the step of: (a)providing a plurality of cable tie devices, each tie device including:(1) an elongated band formed in an annular configuration of a flexiblematerial with a shape retaining property and having a convex innersurface and an outer surface; (2) said band having a head end and anopposite tail end; (3) a plurality of spaced grooves formed along aportion of said inner surface and offset toward said tail end, renderingsaid tail end relatively more flexible than said head end to enableradially inward yielding of said tail end to receive said cables thereinto thereby position said convex inner surface of said band insurrounding relation thereto by a one-handed operation; (4) a pluralityof inner teeth formed along a portion of said inner surface at said headend and a plurality of outer teeth formed along a portion of said outersurface at said tail end; and (5) said inner teeth and said outer teethbeing configured to releasably and mutually engage in a circumferentialdirection, with said head end overlapping said tail end and said convexinner surface engaging said cables to enable securing said bandthereabout with a selected degree of tightening.